The Chevrolet Equinox EV might be the most important electric vehicle of 2026. Starting at approximately $35,000, it brings a competitive electric SUV to a price point accessible to mainstream buyers for the first time. With up to 315 miles of range, a spacious interior, and modern technology, the Equinox EV proves that affordable electric SUVs don't have to compromise.
Pricing That Changes the Game
The Equinox EV price story is the headline. The base 1LT FWD starts at approximately $35,000 before any tax credits, making it one of the most affordable new EVs in America. With the federal tax credit of up to $7,500, the effective price drops to around $27,500 — less than the average price of a new car in the US.
Equinox EV Trim Pricing
1LT FWD
~315 mi range, 210 hp, 11.5" screen
2LT FWD
~315 mi, heated seats, 17.7" screen
2RS FWD
~315 mi, sport styling, enhanced audio
3RS AWD
~285 mi, AWD, 290 hp, panoramic roof
Range and the Ultium Platform
Built on GM's Ultium platform, the Equinox EV packs an 85 kWh battery that delivers up to 315 miles of EPA-rated range in FWD configuration. The AWD version trades some range for all-weather traction, coming in around 285 miles. Both figures are class-leading for the price point — the comparable VW ID.4 offers about 275 miles, and the Hyundai Kona Electric about 261 miles.
DC fast charging supports up to 150 kW, delivering roughly 70 miles of range in 10 minutes. A 10-80% charge takes about 40 minutes at a compatible station. Home Level 2 charging fills the battery overnight at approximately 30 miles per hour of charging.
Interior and Technology Surprise
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the Equinox EV is how upscale the interior feels for the price. The available 17.7-inch diagonal infotainment display is massive — bigger than what you get in many luxury vehicles. Google Built-In provides native Google Maps, Google Assistant voice control, and Google Play for apps. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard.
The cabin is spacious with 57 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats. Materials are a step above typical budget EVs, with soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard and door panels. The flat floor (no transmission tunnel) creates genuine space for five adults. The 2RS and 3RS trims add a panoramic glass roof that makes the interior feel even more airy.
How It Compares to Competitors
Driving Experience
The Equinox EV won't win any drag races, but it delivers a refined, comfortable driving experience that feels appropriate for a family SUV. The 210-horsepower FWD version is smooth and predictable, while the 290-horsepower AWD model adds a welcome punch for highway merging and passing. One-pedal driving is available and works well once you adapt to the regenerative braking feel.
The ride is composed and quiet — a hallmark of EVs — with the battery's low placement providing a stable, planted feel through corners. It drives smaller than it looks, making it easy to navigate parking lots and city streets. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving system is available on higher trims, offering semi-autonomous highway driving on over 400,000 miles of mapped roads.
Who Is It For?
The Chevrolet Equinox EV is the EV for the rest of us. It's for families who want to go electric without stretching their budget. It's for commuters who want a comfortable, capable daily driver with enough range to never worry about charging during the workweek. And it's for first-time EV buyers who don't want to sacrifice space, technology, or style for an affordable price.
At $35,000 with 315 miles of range, the Equinox EV isn't just an affordable EV — it's a genuinely good car that happens to be electric. That distinction makes all the difference for mainstream EV adoption, and it's why the Equinox EV might be the cheapest electric SUV that truly changes the market.